| Several meta-analysis studies have revealed improving effects of probiotics on lipid profile, while
some studies have reported controversial findings. The purpose of present study was to evaluate
the efficacy of probiotics on blood lipids. Relevant studies were searched in the international
databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library up
to August 2021. The pooled results were calculated with the use of a random-effects model to
assess the effects of probiotics on blood lipids. Overall, 38 meta-analyses were inclueded in the
study. The results indicated that the probiotics supplementation was effective on reduction of
total cholesterol (TC) (ES= −0.46 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.61, −0.30, p < 0.001; I2= 83.8%, p < 0.001),
triglycerides (TG) (ES= −0.13 mg/dl; 95% CI: −0.23, −0.04, p = 0.006; I2= 74.7%, p < 0.001), and
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)levels (ES= −0.29 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.40, −0.19, p < 0.001;
I2= 77.8%, p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of probiotics on high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (ES= 0.02 mg/dl; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.08, p = 0.519; I2= 72.5%, p= <0.001).
The results of present umbrella meta-analysis strongly support supplementation with probiotics
as an influential intervention for improving lipid profile |